Breathe HR is a cloud-based HR management software designed for small and medium-sized UK businesses, offering features like leave tracking, performance management, recruitment tools, and employee databases in an affordable, user-friendly system.
“Before More Happi we were going through… lots of changes. The learning and development strategy was more ad hoc, case by case, and we wanted something that we could implement that would deal with situations in real time, in the moment.”
Charlie O’Brien | Head of People, Breathe
Breathe is a small but rapidly growing organisation navigating frequent change. When Charlie O'Brien joined as Head of People, she recognised that their learning and development (L&D) strategy was largely ad hoc, addressing issues case by case rather than providing consistent, real-time support.
Charlie, a strong advocate for coaching throughout her career, saw an opportunity to create a flexible, employee-centred solution that would help both managers and staff navigate day-to-day intros, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.
“A lot of time was spent really trying to make sure that we weren’t saying the wrong thing. But we were advising and guiding them… it was quite challenging as an HR professional because you want to give them the best advice, but you also can’t dig too deep because you’re not a therapist.”
Charlie O’Brien | Head of People, Breathe
It became clear that Breathe needed a scalable, confidential, and ongoing support system, something beyond traditional training sessions or workshops.
“A lot of time was spent really trying to make sure that we weren't saying the wrong thing. But we were advising and guiding them… it was quite challenging as an HR professional because you want to give them the best advice, but you also can't dig too deep because you're not a therapist.”
First-time managers often struggled with delivering performance feedback, addressing attendance or conduct issues, and navigating interpersonal conflict.
Staff needed guidance on career planning and soft skills, but one-size-fits-all training wasn't enough.
The people team spent 1-2 hours daily providing guidance, running ad hoc coaching conversations, and managing emotionally complex situations.
“Coaching became a two-way street. Employees could explore challenges confidentially, and when they found the right coach and that connection was built, they returned naturally because they knew they wanted to evolve.”
Charlie O’Brien | Head of People, Breathe
More Happi's unlimited coaching platform was introduced as a solution that could be personalised to every employee. It offered:
“Unlimited coaching isn’t just a perk. It’s a way to embed growth, reflection, and real-time problem-solving.”
Charlie O’Brien | Head of People, Breathe
The implementation of More Happi's coaching program was a carefully planned and phased approach, designed to ensure maximum adoption and impact across the organisation.
Senior leaders were the first to experience More Happi, learning how coaching could enhance their management and team support skills.
First-time managers and team leads received coaching to develop confidence in difficult conversations and team management.
Coaching was launched organisation-wide, with guidance on how to book sessions, find the right coach, and integrate coaching into daily work routines.
“Instead of 5, 6, 7 one-to-ones trying to identify it, unpick it… it was giving the individual the work to go away and unpick it themselves.”
Charlie O’Brien | Head of People, Breathe
More Happi allowed employees to easily access coaching by integrating it into existing programs and processes, ensuring it became a natural part of the employee experience rather than an additional task.
Managers became more confident in having early, honest conversation, reducing the escalation of issues to HR.
“We absolutely noticed that there was less resistance to have those harder conversations earlier… they weren't coming to us when it was a red flag already, a problem that would take longer to deal with.”
Employees who engaged with coaching developed stronger communication skills, composure, and reflective thinking.
“The main difference between staff that had invested in coaching and staff that hadn't… was actual self-motivation. People seemed more composed, calmer… almost like there was a little voice at the back of their mind going, I'm going to speak to my coach about this before I react.”
HR saved hours each day previously spent on advisory conversations. Managers also had tools to guide teams without repeatedly relying on People Ops support.
Staff began integrating coaching into their personal and professional development, creating a culture of learning, reflection, and growth. Success stories and repeated use reinforced adoption across teams.
“Employees were actively, independently saying the benefits of coaching for them and were starting to bring to life… the difficulties about finding that first coach that they really felt that spark with.”
“It was a no-brainer. The cost was reasonable compared to traditional training, and the impact on people and culture was immediate.”
Charlie O’Brien | Head of People, Breathe
The cost of More Happi was offset by:
Charlie emphasised that the true value of coaching goes beyond wellness or perks—it's about equipping employees with interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and confidence to thrive at work.
“Self-awareness and interpersonal skills are critical… there's a reason why people aren't able to articulate and communicate successfully. Coaching gets individuals to understand that.”
Leadership endorsement ensures managers and employees engage with coaching.
Finding the right coach for each individual is critical for sustained engagement.
Real-life examples encourage adoption and normalise coaching use.
Integrating it into 30-60-90 day plans and L&D strategies ensures coaching isn't seen as optional or disconnected.
“The first part of the journey for us was… what is coaching and how do we make people not think that this is just a well-being benefit because it's so much more than that.”
“Once you’ve found that coach that really resonates and gets you working and thinking in the way that you need to, it’s a resource that employees don’t know how they lived without.”
Charlie O’Brien | Head of People, Breathe
"Cat made me feel safe immediately. In the first session, we really dug into what the 6 sessions will focus on and how it will support me. It's empowering to be heard but also, acknowledge that the words we use to describe ourself can have an impact. I look forward to my next 5 sessions with Cat, after the first one I already have some techniques to try and things to consider, which is more than I could have hoped for in just 45 minutes. I am really looking forward to doing this work and I know that Cat will ensure I'm supported throughout, she naturally wants the best for me and I can feel that! Thank you!"
"Sian was a great coach, especially for someone like myself who was new to the concept of coaching & needed to adjust to the process. Sian helped me to achieve more than what I set out to & was so approachable and easy to talk to. I have found that I can now tackle the challenges I went into my sessions with, with confidence & a much better outlook/vision for the future. I would highly recommend booking coaching sessions! "
"Over the course of this programme Dan has been integral at giving me the necessary tools to meet new challenges and to push myself. I've had a real mindset shift since working with Dan which is paying off massively as I've been able to move some initiatives forward which were previously stuck for a considerable period of time. Dan is so easy to talk to, really insightful and empowers you to do the best you can."
"Kate created a super safe, friendly environment for our session. I came out of it feeling like I'd actually helped myself and got to the bottom of the topic I was discussing which was a really nice and empowering experience. Kate helped me stay on track and ensured the session was personal to me. I have come away with a clearer mind and some great physical and mental tools to try and implement."
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